About Me – Mollie Openshaw, Founder of PB&J (Pickleball & Jesus)

I am the founder of Pickleball and Jesus (PB&J)—a faith-driven movement that brings together the joy of pickleball with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I’ve always been a creative and an entrepreneur here in Chico, California, but I never imagined I’d find myself in ministry. God had other plans—and they came with a paddle.

My love for pickleball began just two years ago during a fun game at Lake Almanor with friends. What started as a simple hobby quickly became something more. As I played, friendships were made with people who had the same love for Jesus as I did, and the more we talked, the more we wanted to have a small group at our church. Our church quickly saw the opportunity to create a space for people to fellowship through pickleball, and this is when I began to sense gentle nudges from the Holy Spirit. Inspired by these divine promptings, Pickleball & Jesus was born—a joyful space where play meets purpose and prayer leads the way.

Building creative, community-minded brands has always been part of my story. Before PB&J, I founded Mood Swing Wines, a nationally recognized wine line that humorously celebrated women going through menopause. For eight years, it was the exclusive beverage at Menopause The Musical, giving women a unique way to laugh, connect, and feel seen.

I’m also the author of a children’s book called "Gam Gam, Am I Mixed?", which I wrote for my granddaughter as a tribute to kindness, inclusion, and diversity. From that book, I created my K.I.D. acronym: always be Kind, Include others, and we are all Different, but still all created in the likeness of God. 

Beyond the courts and creative projects, I’m most proud to be a mom of three grown children—Shyla, Hunter, and Mallory—and a Gam Gam (grandmother) to two sweet toddlers, Bellahrainee, Bohdiidae. My beautiful mother continues to inspire and bring me joy every day. Family, friendship, and my Christian faith are at the heart of who I am.

My mission is to remind people that ministry doesn’t have to look traditional—it just has to be intentional. Whether I’m designing faith-based merch like “Jesus Take the Wheel, I’ll Take the Kitchen” or encouraging someone mid-game with “Paddle. Pray. Play.”, my hope is always to point people back to Jesus in authentic, joyful ways.